Dos sistemas de manejo de un cultivo comercial de pimiento (Capsicum annuum L.) bajo carpa plástica para el control de Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) en Lules, Tucumán

Abstract

Whitefly [Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)] is one of the major pests in pepper crops grown in greenhouses in Tucumán. It causes damages and its control is difficult. The objective of this work was to compare the effect of two management systems on B. tabaci in pepper crops grown in greenhouses in Lules, Tucumán. Monitoring techniques in two greenhouses with cv. “Margarita” were carried out in 2009. One management included alternative chemicals: weekly addition of organic fertilizer with insecticide features, and two sprayings of Neem (Azadirachta indica J.) in October, and the other one included spraying eight times with conventional insecticides (Pyridaben, Dimethoate and Cartap). 72 leaves per greenhouse were collected weekly, and the presence of whiteflies was recorded. Statistically significant differences between treatments were obtained. We conclude that the use of organic fertilizer with insecticide features and Neem is a viable alternative to keep the population of B. tabaci at acceptable levels in pepper crop grown in greenhouses. This management system tested with alternative products can be combined with other control strategies in order to implement an integrated pest management.